EP4089376A1 - Waveguide with high conductivity for high temperatures and high frequencies for fill level meters - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a waveguide arrangement (10) for transmitting microwaves, the waveguide arrangement (10) being suitable for thermally isolating a generator (42) from an antenna system (44), the antenna system (44) being specified for a higher temperature than the Generator (42), and wherein the antenna system (44) is connected to the generator (42) by means of a waveguide tube (20) for transmitting the high-frequency measurement signals. The waveguide arrangement (10) has a jacket (30), the inner wall (31) of which corresponds at least in sections to the shape of the outer wall (29) of the waveguide tube (20) and which accommodates the waveguide tube (20) at least in sections, the inside (31 ) of the casing (30) in the region of one end (32) of the casing (30) has a widening (33), in particular a conical widening (33), which is used to press in and fix the waveguide tube (20) during assembly of the waveguide arrangement ( 10) is set up.

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to a waveguide arrangement for the transmission of microwaves, a method for producing a waveguide arrangement and a use.

background

Measuring devices that use a high-frequency front end, for example for measuring a filling level by means of microwaves, in particular by means of radar waves, are used to measure the fill level or to determine the limit level. Waveguides can be used to transmit the microwaves from a generator to an antenna system of the measuring device. Because at least some of these measuring devices are used in environments with high temperatures and/or temperature fluctuations, it is necessary not only to provide a waveguide with high conductivity, but also to ensure high robustness against high temperatures and/or temperature fluctuations. A radar antenna system with high temperature resistance can thus be constructed, for example, which is coupled via the waveguide arrangement to a high-frequency generator for generating the radar signal. The electronics of the generator can be specified for a much narrower temperature range, so that the waveguide arrangement can be exposed to different temperatures or temperature ranges. For this reason, some of these measuring devices use long waveguides, which can be difficult to manufacture because of their length.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a waveguide arrangement which has high conductivity for microwaves and high temperature stability.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention result from the dependent claims and the following description.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a waveguide arrangement for the transmission of microwaves. The waveguide assembly includes a waveguide tube having a rectangular or elliptical interior cavity and an exterior wall. Furthermore, the waveguide arrangement has a jacket, the inner wall of which corresponds at least in sections to the shape of the outer wall of the waveguide tube and which accommodates the waveguide tube at least in sections.

The waveguide arrangement is set up for the transmission of microwaves, for example in a frequency range between 1 and 300 GHz, for example between 30 and 100 GHz. The waveguide tube is designed in such a way that it is adapted and/or optimized for the frequency range to be transmitted. An inner area of the waveguide tube, the inner cavity, within which the microwaves are transmitted, is formed with a high level of accuracy, in particular with regard to the smoothness of its inner wall and/or the mechanical dimensions. In the case of some waveguide tubes, the inner wall can have a special treatment and/or a special treatment and/or coating. The shape of the inner wall can be rectangular or elliptical; this also includes, for example, a square or a round shape. For special configurations of the waveguide tube—which can result, for example, from specific optimizations and/or simulations—it can be advantageous to modify the rectangular shape, for example by strongly rounding off corners and/or modifying it into a polygon. The waveguide tube can be made of a material that has high conductivity. The material of the waveguide tube can have a high degree of homogeneity.

The outer wall of the waveguide tube can have a cross section similar to the inner wall of the cladding. An important criterion for the shape or the cross section of the outer wall can be that it advantageously corresponds to the shape or the cross section of the inner wall of the casing. Criteria for this can be, for example, particularly simple, cost-effective and/or precise processing of the waveguide tube and/or the cladding. If, for example, the jacket can be produced particularly easily and inexpensively with a square internal cross section, then it can be advantageous for the waveguide arrangement to use a waveguide tube with a square external cross section. In the waveguide arrangement, the inner wall of the jacket corresponds at least in sections to the shape of the outer wall of the waveguide tube. In this case, the jacket accommodates the waveguide tube at least in sections. In these sections, in which the jacket accommodates the waveguide tube, a distance between the inner wall of the jacket and the outer wall of the waveguide tube is very small. In some embodiments, the distance is less than 100 μm, in particular less than 10 μm, for example less than 1 μm. In one embodiment, the distance is essentially zero.

In one embodiment, the material of the jacket differs from the material of the waveguide tube. Advantageously, this allows the material - and other features - to be optimally selected from a number of viewpoints. Examples of these aspects can be conductivity, cost, robustness, processability and/or others. In particular, an optimal material for the jacket can differ from an optimal material for the waveguide tube. While, for example, high conductivity can be an important property of the waveguide tube, but its robustness can have a lower priority, the requirements for the jacket can be inverse. As a result, the waveguide arrangement can be produced inexpensively with optimized properties. For example, the waveguide tube can be manufactured with high precision using conventional techniques with a rectangular or elliptical internal cross section suitable for the frequency and then, using a joining technique optimized for this purpose, placed in a protective jacket. This can result on the one hand in excellent conductivity of the waveguide arrangement and at the same time in a high level of robustness, e.g to mechanical, chemical and/or thermal loads. Furthermore, because of the protective jacket, it is possible to use a thin-walled waveguide tube; this can be advantageous, for example with regard to the weight and/or costs of the waveguide arrangement.

It is advantageous if the materials of the jacket and the waveguide tube are compatible. Compatibility can refer, for example, to their position in the so-called electrochemical series, to their thermal expansion coefficients and/or to other aspects or criteria; with respect to these criteria, the materials can be similar so as to achieve compatibility.

In one embodiment, the outer wall of the waveguide tube has a rectangular or elliptical outer cross section. This can include, for example, a round or square external cross-section. In the case of angular external cross sections, this can include rounding off the edges. Of course, in this embodiment too, the outer wall of the waveguide tube corresponds to the inner wall of the jacket.

In one embodiment, the outer wall of the waveguide tube has a round outer cross section. This can be particularly advantageous if the corresponding inner wall of the casing can be produced particularly precisely and/or inexpensively as a round inner wall. In this case, a round outer cross-section of the waveguide tube can facilitate fixing and positioning in the protective sheath.

In one embodiment, the waveguide tube has an electrical conductivity of more than 20 m/ohm mm ² , in particular more than 50 m/ohm mm ² . The cladding has a similar coefficient of thermal expansion as the waveguide tube, with the coefficients of expansion of the cladding and the waveguide tube differing in particular by less than 3%, for example by less than 1.5%. In this way, thermal stresses between the jacket and the waveguide tube can be kept low or even avoided over a wide temperature range. Mechanical problems during assembly can also be kept to a minimum as a result.

In one embodiment, the waveguide tube has copper, a copper alloy, brass, silver and/or gold or consists of at least one of these materials. In this case, the jacket has steel, stainless steel, ceramics, plastic or plastic with carbon fibers or consists of at least one of these materials. Different combinations of these materials can be advantageous. For example, a combination of stainless steel as the material for the jacket and copper as the material for the waveguide tube is advantageous because copper has very good electrical conductivity with a thermal expansion coefficient of 16.5 10 ^-6 / K, and the thermal expansion coefficient of stainless steel is 16 .0 · 10 ^-6 / K.

In one embodiment, the inner wall of the waveguide tube is coated with brass and/or a material with high electrical conductivity or is made of polished brass and/or a polished material with high electrical conductivity. This can contribute to a further improvement in the conductivity of the waveguide arrangement.

In one embodiment, the inside of the jacket and/or the outer wall of the waveguide tube is coated and/or tempered. The coating can include a plastic, a lacquer and/or lubricants such as graphite and/or oil. The treatment can include anodizing, blackening, etc. The coating or tempering can contribute to a further reduction in the thermal stress between the jacket and the waveguide tube.

In one embodiment, the inside of the casing has a widening in the region of one end of the casing, in particular a conical widening, which is set up for pressing in and fixing the waveguide tube during assembly of the waveguide arrangement. In the case of a rectangular waveguide tube, the cylindrical or conical widening can be correspondingly wedge-shaped. This refinement can facilitate the assembly of the waveguide arrangement.

In one embodiment, the waveguide tube is fixed in the jacket by means of a conical ring. In particular, the ring can be slotted. The ring can be used as a Mounting element can be used with annular inner bore or receiving bore and conical outer ring shape for receiving the waveguide tube. The mounting element or the ring is set up to engage in the conical widening on the inside of the jacket and in this way to press the waveguide tube in the jacket and to fix it in this way.

• Bereitstellen eines Mantels, welcher eine Innenwand zur Aufnahme eines Hohlleiterrohrs aufweist. Das Bereitstellen des Mantels kann beispielsweise eine nahtlose Fertigung des Hohlleiterrohrs, ein Bohren, ein Fräsen, eine sonstige abtragende Bearbeitung, ein Beschichten und/oder ein Vergüten beinhalten. Es ist auch möglich, den Mantel nur im Bereich der Enden so genau zu bearbeiten, so dass er dazu geeignet ist, das Hohlleiterrohr einzufügen. Dies kann die Bearbeitung besonders kostengünstig halten.
• Anordnen des Hohlleiterrohrs in dem Mantel, mittels einer der folgenden Methoden: Kleben, Pressen, Schrumpfen, Löten, Schweißen, Klemmen und/oder Schrauben. Damit wird das Hohlleiterrohr in dem Mantel fixiert. Dabei korrespondiert bei der Hohlleiteranordnung die Innenwand des Mantels zumindest abschnittsweise mit der Form der Außenwand des Hohlleiterrohrs. Dabei nimmt der Mantel das Hohlleiterrohr zumindest abschnittsweise auf. In diesen Abschnitten ist ein Abstand zwischen der Innenwand des Mantels und der Außenwand des Hohlleiterrohrs sehr gering.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a waveguide arrangement as described above or below, with the steps:

• Providing a jacket having an inner wall for receiving a waveguide tube. Providing the cladding can include, for example, seamless manufacture of the waveguide tube, drilling, milling, other machining, coating and/or tempering. It is also possible to machine the jacket only in the area of the ends so precisely that it is suitable for inserting the waveguide tube. This can keep the processing particularly inexpensive.
• Arranging the waveguide tube in the jacket by one of the following methods: gluing, pressing, shrinking, soldering, welding, clamping and/or screwing. This fixes the waveguide tube in the jacket. In the case of the waveguide arrangement, the inner wall of the jacket corresponds at least in sections to the shape of the outer wall of the waveguide tube. In this case, the jacket accommodates the waveguide tube at least in sections. In these sections, a distance between the inner wall of the jacket and the outer wall of the waveguide tube is very small.

• Anordnen eines konischen, insbesondere geschlitzten, Rings zwischen dem Mantel und dem Hohlleiterrohr. Damit wird der Mantel und das Hohlleiterrohr auf einfache und wirksame Weise fixiert. Der Ring kann als selbstsperrender Sicherungsring ausgeführt sein.

In one embodiment, the method has a further step:

• Arranging a conical, in particular slotted, ring between the jacket and the waveguide tube. This fixes the jacket and the waveguide tube in a simple and effective manner. The ring can be designed as a self-locking locking ring.

The ring can then be closed off on an outside, for example with a plastic, so that the area between the jacket and the waveguide tube is closed is hermetically closed. As a result, the resistance to corrosion of the waveguide arrangement can be further improved.

• Schneiden eines Endes eines ersten Hohlleiterrohrs und eines Endes eines zweiten Hohlleiterrohrs in einem vordefinierten spitzen Winkel, wobei das Ende des ersten Hohlleiterrohrs und das Ende des zweiten Hohlleiterrohrs denselben Winkel aufweisen;
• Aneinanderfügen des Endes des ersten Hohlleiterrohrs und des Endes des zweiten Hohlleiterrohrs in einem Z-Winkel, wobei das erste Hohlleiterrohr und das zweite Hohlleiterrohr in dem Mantel angeordnet werden.

In one embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

• cutting an end of a first waveguide tube and an end of a second waveguide tube at a predefined acute angle, the end of the first waveguide tube and the end of the second waveguide tube having the same angle;
• Joining the end of the first waveguide tube and the end of the second waveguide tube at a Z-angle, placing the first waveguide tube and the second waveguide tube in the shell.

Lengthening the waveguide assembly may require the use of more than one waveguide tube. In many cases, however, the transition between two waveguide tubes is not completely smooth and can therefore form a point of interference for the microwaves. Experiments show that the disruption caused by the imperfection can be significantly reduced if the waveguide tubes are not cut at a 90° angle but at an acute angle and are joined together in this way. The acute angle may be between 30° and 60°, for example about 50°.

• einen Generator, der zur Erzeugung von hochfrequenten Messsignalen im Mikrowellen-Bereich eingerichtet ist,
• ein Antennensystem, das zum Abstrahlen der hochfrequenten Messsignale eingerichtet ist, und
• eine Hohlleiteranordnung wie oben und/oder im Folgenden beschrieben, eingerichtet zum Übertragen der Messsignale von dem Generator zu dem Antennensystem.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a measuring device for level measurement or limit level determination. The measuring device shows:

• a generator set up to generate high-frequency measurement signals in the microwave range,
• an antenna system that is set up to emit the high-frequency measurement signals, and
• a waveguide arrangement as described above and/or below, set up to transmit the measurement signals from the generator to the antenna system.

The measuring device has electronics that include a generator for generating high-frequency measurement signals or microwaves. The antenna system emits the measurement signals in the direction of a medium or filling material and receives the reflected ones signals. The antenna system can have a fastening element for mounting, for example on a container, and a radiation element or a transmission/reception element, which emits and receives the measurement signals. The measurement signals received can, for example, be evaluated by the electronics and determine and/or display a fill level and/or a limit level of the medium. The mounting fastener and the radiating element may be sealed together and made of chemically resistant material. In order to achieve sufficient signal transmission from and to the antenna, the electronics and antenna system can be arranged close to one another. The electronics can be more temperature sensitive than the antenna system. For example, the electronics can be specified with a maximum temperature of, for example, 100°C, 80°C or 70°C. The antenna system can consist of materials that are designed for higher temperatures. Therefore, electronics and antenna system can be spatially separated and can be connected by means of the waveguide arrangement. This requires a corresponding thermal design of the waveguide arrangement, which is achieved by the waveguide arrangement described.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a waveguide arrangement as described above or below or of a method as described above or below for the transmission of microwaves for measuring a limit level or a filling level.

For further clarification, the invention is described using the embodiments shown in the figures. These embodiments are meant to be exemplary only and not limiting.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1

eine schematische Skizze eines Messgeräts gemäß einer Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2a

eine schematische Skizze eines Messgeräts gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2b und 2c

Details von Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 3a

eine schematische Skizze eines Messgeräts gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 3b und 3c

Details von Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 4a

eine schematische Skizze eines Querschnitts einer Hohlleiteranordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 4b

eine schematische Skizze einer Hohlleiteranordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform im Längsschnitt;

Fig. 4c

eine schematische Skizze einer Hohlleiteranordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform im Längsschnitt;

Fig. 5a

eine schematische Skizze einer Hohlleiteranordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 5b bis 5e

schematische Skizzen eines Hohlleiterrohrs gemäß weiteren Ausführungsformen;

Fig. 6

ein Verfahren gemäß einer Ausführungsform.

It shows:

1

a schematic sketch of a measuring device according to an embodiment;

Figure 2a

a schematic sketch of a measuring device according to a further embodiment;

Figures 2b and 2c

Details from 2 ;

Figure 3a

a schematic sketch of a measuring device according to a further embodiment;

Figures 3b and 3c

Details from 3 ;

Figure 4a

a schematic sketch of a cross section of a waveguide arrangement according to a further embodiment in a perspective view;

Figure 4b

a schematic sketch of a waveguide arrangement according to a further embodiment in longitudinal section;

Figure 4c

a schematic sketch of a waveguide arrangement according to a further embodiment in longitudinal section;

Figure 5a

a schematic sketch of a waveguide arrangement according to a further embodiment;

Figures 5b to 5e

schematic sketches of a waveguide tube according to further embodiments;

6

a method according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

1 shows a schematic sketch of a measuring device 40 for filling level measurement or for limit level determination according to an embodiment. The measuring device 40 has electronics which include a generator 42 . The generator 42 is set up to generate high-frequency measurement signals in the microwave range. The generator 42 generates high-frequency measurement signals, in particular microwaves, for example in a frequency range between 1 and 300 GHz, for example between 30 and 100 GHz. The measuring device 40 also has an antenna system 44 which is set up to emit the high-frequency measurement signals and to receive reflected measurement signals. The generator 42 and the antenna system 44 are connected by means of a waveguide arrangement 10 . The connection is bidirectional. In this exemplary embodiment, the antenna system 44 is arranged above a container 46 which is partially filled with a filling material 47 . The antenna system 44 is set up to determine a filling level and/or a limit level of a filling material surface 48 by means of the measurement signals generated by the generator 42 . This is done by the generator 42 high-frequency measurement signals generated, forwarded to the antenna system 44 via the waveguide arrangement 10 and radiated by means of the antenna system 44 . The measurement signals are reflected by the surface 48 of the filling material, received by the antenna system 44 and transmitted to the electronics via the waveguide arrangement 10 . The electronics then evaluate the reflected measurement signals.

Figure 2a shows a schematic sketch of a measuring device 40 according to a further embodiment. The functionality is the same as with 1 described. An antenna system 44 is also arranged in a lower area of the measuring device 40 in this exemplary embodiment. The antenna system 44 is connected to a generator 42 by means of a waveguide arrangement 10 with electronics. The waveguide arrangement 10 has a fastening element 36 in the form of a conical ring at both ends. The waveguide arrangement 10 is surrounded by a temperature decoupling 43 . The temperature decoupling 43 can be connected to a jacket 30 of the waveguide arrangement 10 or, at least partially, form the jacket 30 . As shown, the temperature decoupling 43 can have cooling fins. The temperature decoupling 43 thermally separates the antenna system 44, which is designed for a higher temperature than the electronics, from the electronics with the generator 42.

Figure 2b shows, as a detail of 2 , The conical ring 36, which - is arranged as a fastening element between the temperature decoupling 43 (which also acts as a jacket 30) and the waveguide tube 20 of the waveguide arrangement 10 - in this embodiment. It is clearly visible how an end region 32 of the jacket 30 is clamped to the waveguide tube 20 and in this way fixes the waveguide tube 20 .

Figure 2c shows another detail of 2 , namely a plan view of the conical ring 36 which is arranged around the waveguide tube 20. FIG. In particular, the position of a slot 37 in the ring 36 becomes visible.

Figure 3a shows a schematic sketch of a measuring device 40 according to a further embodiment. Again, the functionality is the same as with 1 described. Also In this exemplary embodiment, an antenna system 44 is arranged in a lower area of the measuring device 40 . The antenna system 44 is connected to a generator 42 by means of a waveguide arrangement 10 with electronics. The waveguide arrangement 10 is surrounded by a temperature decoupling 43 . As shown, the temperature decoupling 43 can be spaced apart from the waveguide arrangement 10, for example by means of a cavity 41. The cavity 41 can be filled with air and/or another fluid, for example a protective gas or transformer oil. The temperature decoupling 43 and the cavity 41 thermally separate the antenna system 44 from the electronics with the generator 42.

Figure 3b shows, as a detail of 3 , another embodiment of the conical ring 36 disposed between the cladding 30 and the waveguide tube 20 of the waveguide assembly 10. FIG. In this case, the waveguide tube 20 is arranged in sections in the jacket 30 . It is clearly visible how an end region 32 of the casing 30 is clamped to the waveguide tube 20 by means of a ring 36 and in this way the waveguide tube 20 is fixed. This ring 36 is clamped in another ring-like structure; the ring-like structure is part of the jacket 30.

3c shows another detail of 3 , namely a plan view of the embodiment of the conical ring 36 of FIG Figure 3b , which is arranged around the waveguide tube 20 . This ring 36 has no slot. This ring 36 is clamped in another ring-like structure; the ring-like structure is part of the jacket 30.

Figure 4a shows a schematic sketch of a cross section of a waveguide arrangement 10 according to a further embodiment in a perspective view. In this case, a waveguide tube 20 is surrounded by a jacket 30 . The waveguide tube 20 has a rounded rectangular inner cavity 24 with an inner wall 21 . The inner wall 21 of the waveguide tube 20 can be processed in a particularly complex manner, for example it can be made particularly smooth, tempered and/or coated with brass. An outer wall 29 of the waveguide tube 20 corresponds, at least in sections, to the shape of an inner wall 31 of the casing 30. In this exemplary embodiment, the outer wall 29 of the waveguide tube 20 has a round outer cross section, and therefore the inner wall 31 of the jacket 30 has a round internal cross-section. A distance between the inner wall 31 of the casing 30 and the outer wall 29 of the waveguide tube 20 can be less than 100 μm, in particular less than 10 μm. The material of the jacket 30 differs from the material of the waveguide tube 20. This can also lead to different properties of the jacket 30 and the waveguide tube 20. For example, the waveguide tube 20 may have a high electrical conductivity, but the protective jacket 30 may have a low electrical conductivity, at least compared to the conductivity of the waveguide tube 20. Other properties of the jacket 30 and the waveguide tube 20 may be similar; for example, the jacket 30 can have a similar coefficient of thermal expansion as the waveguide tube 20. For example, the waveguide tube 20 can be made of copper or include copper, and the jacket 30 can be made of stainless steel or include stainless steel. An outer wall 39 of the shell 30 has a round shape. However, the outer wall 39 can also have a different shape, in particular a different shape than the inner wall 31 of the casing 30.

Figure 4b shows a schematic sketch of a waveguide arrangement 10 according to an embodiment in longitudinal section. The same reference numerals as in FIG Figure 4a the same components. In an end region 32 of the jacket 30, this exemplary embodiment also has a conical widening 33 into which a fastening element 36 in the form of a conical ring is inserted in order to fix the waveguide tube 20 in the jacket 30.

Figure 4c shows a schematic sketch of a waveguide arrangement 10 according to an embodiment in longitudinal section. The same reference numerals as in FIG Figure 4a the same components. In this exemplary embodiment, a joint 25 is shown, at which an end 22a of a first waveguide tube 20a is joined to an end 22b of a second waveguide tube 20b. It can be clearly seen that the ends 22a and 22b have been cut off at an acute angle w. The angle w of the ends 22a and 22b are the same. The ends 22a and 22b are then joined at a Z angle w. Advantageously, using an acute angle w can result in the perturbation the microwaves at the joint 25 are lower than with a straight cut (w=90°).

Figure 5a shows a schematic sketch of a waveguide arrangement 10 according to a further embodiment. The same reference numerals as in FIG Figure 4a the same components. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG Figure 4a by the shape of the outer wall 39 of the jacket 30 and by the shape of the inner cavity 24 or the inner wall 21 of the waveguide tube 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the outer wall 39 of the jacket 30 is designed to be rectangular with roundings. The inner wall 21 of the waveguide tube 20 is elliptical.

Figures 5b to 5e shows schematic sketches of a waveguide tube 20 according to further embodiments. In doing so Figure 5b a round inner cavity 24 and a round outer wall 29 on. Figure 5c has a rectangular inner cavity 24 and a round outer wall 29 . Figure 5d has an elliptical inner cavity 24 and a round outer wall 29 and corresponds approximately to the waveguide tube 20 of FIG Figure 5a. Figure 5e has a circular inner cavity 24 and, as a modification of a rectangular outer wall, has a polygonal outer wall 29.

6 FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram 50 of a method according to an embodiment. A jacket 30 is provided in a step 51 . The casing 30 has an inner wall 31 for accommodating a waveguide tube 20 . The provision of the jacket can include, for example, seamless production, drilling, milling, other machining, coating and/or tempering. It is also possible to precisely machine the cladding only at the ends so that it is suitable for inserting the waveguide tube. In a step 52 the waveguide tube 20 is arranged in the jacket 30 . The arrangement of the waveguide tube 20 in the casing 30 can be carried out, for example, by means of gluing, pressing, shrinking, soldering, welding, clamping and/or other methods.

Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limitations.

List of References

10

waveguide arrangement

20

waveguide tube

20a, 20b

first and second waveguide tube

21

inner wall of the waveguide tube

22a, 22b

first and second end of the waveguide tube

24

inner cavity of the waveguide tube

25

Joint of the waveguide tube

29

outer wall of the waveguide tube

30

a coat

31

inner wall of the mantle

32

end portion of the mantle

33

widening

36

ring, fastener

37

slot

39

outer wall of the mantle

40

gauge

41

cavity

42

generator (with electronics)

43

temperature decoupling

44

antenna system

46

container

47

contents

48

product surface

50

flow chart

51, 52

Step

Claims (15)

Waveguide arrangement (10) for the thermal separation of a generator (42), which is set up to generate high-frequency measurement signals in the microwave range, from an antenna system (44), wherein the antenna system (44) is specified for a higher temperature than the generator (42), and wherein the antenna system (44) is connected to the generator (42) by means of a waveguide tube (20) for the transmission of the high-frequency measurement signals, the waveguide arrangement (10) having: a jacket (30), the inner wall (31) of which corresponds at least in sections to the shape of the outer wall (29) of the waveguide tube (20) and which accommodates the waveguide tube (20) at least in sections, the inside (31) of the jacket (30) in the region of one end (32) of the jacket (30) has a widening (33), in particular a conical widening (33), which helps to press in and fix the waveguide tube (20). the assembly of the waveguide arrangement (10) is set up. Waveguide arrangement (10) according to claim 1,
the waveguide tube (20) being fixed in the jacket (30) by means of a conical, in particular slotted, ring (36), the ring (36) being arranged in the region of the widening (33). Waveguide arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the casing (30) is surrounded by a temperature decoupling (43) which has cooling fins. Waveguide arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the jacket (30) has a temperature decoupling (43) which is spaced apart from the waveguide tube (20) by means of a cavity (41). Waveguide arrangement (10) according to claim 4,
wherein the cavity (41) is filled with air and/or another fluid, in particular with an inert gas or transformer oil. Waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the jacket (30) has a similar coefficient of thermal expansion as the waveguide tube (20), the coefficients of expansion of the jacket (30) and the waveguide tube (20) differing in particular by less than 3%, for example by less than 1.5% . Waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the jacket (30) differs from the material of the waveguide tube (20), and/or materials of the jacket (30) and of the waveguide tube (20) being compatible, in particular compatible with regard to their position in the so-called electrochemical series, relating to their thermal expansion coefficients. Waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the waveguide tube (20) has copper, a copper alloy, brass, silver and/or gold or consists of at least one of these materials, and/or the jacket (30) has steel, stainless steel, ceramics, plastic or plastic with carbon fibers or consists of at least one of these materials. Waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the inside (31) of the casing (30) and/or the outer wall (29) of the waveguide tube (20) being coated and/or tempered. Method for manufacturing a waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, for thermally isolating a generator (42) from an antenna system (44), wherein the antenna system (44) is specified for a higher temperature than the generator (42), and wherein the antenna system (44) is connected to the generator (42) by means of a waveguide tube (20) for transmitting the high-frequency measurement signals, the method with the following steps: - Providing a jacket (30) which has an inner wall (31) for accommodating the waveguide tube (20), wherein the casing (30) corresponds at least in sections to the shape of the outer wall (29) of the waveguide tube (20) and which accommodates the waveguide tube (20) at least in sections, and the inside (31) of the jacket (30) in the region of one end (32) of the jacket (30) has a widening (33), in particular a conical widening (33), which helps to press in and fix the waveguide tube (20). the assembly of the waveguide arrangement (10) is set up; and - arranging the waveguide tube (20) in the jacket (30) by means of one of the following methods: gluing, pressing, shrinking, soldering, welding, clamping and/or screwing. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: - Arranging a conical, in particular slotted, ring (36) between the jacket (30) and the waveguide tube (20) in the area of the widening (33). Method according to claim 10 or 11,
wherein the casing (30) is surrounded by a temperature decoupling (43) which has cooling fins. Method according to claim 10 or 11,
wherein the jacket (30) has a temperature decoupling (43) which is spaced apart from the waveguide tube (20) by means of a cavity (41). Measuring device (40) for filling level measurement or for limit level determination, having: - a generator (42) which is set up to generate high-frequency measurement signals in the microwave range, - an antenna system (44) which is set up for radiating the high-frequency measurement signals, and - A waveguide arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, set up for transmitting the measurement signals from the generator (42) to the antenna system (44). Use of a waveguide arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, or of a method according to one of Claims 10 to 12, for the transmission of microwaves for measuring a limit level or a filling level, and/or
for the transmission of microwaves in a frequency range between 1 GHz and 300 GHz, for example between 30 and 100 GHz.

Images